Portable Wearable Primary Device which Communicates Data to Secondary Device that is in Communication with Multiple Networks and Related Communication Systems

ABSTRACT

A personal portable communication device and system is provided which includes a handheld beacon that has a controller, a short range signal transmitter, and a power source, and at least one switch, an indicator light and a short range signal receiver that transmits and receives signals to a secondary relay communication device such as a smartphone wherein the secondary device sends second communication signals including messages according to predetermined instructions to predetermined destinations.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/631,702 which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,756,454 on Sep. 5, 2017. The Applicant claims thebenefit of U.S. Application No. 62/000,178 filed on May 19, 2014.

This invention is directed to a portable device and system for a personto communicate with multiple recipients over an established network. Thedevice connects wirelessly to a pre-existing local communications modulethat is in turn connected to a network. The device triggers anapplication within the local communications relay module—such as acellphone—to invoking a series of actions. The local relaycommunications module can be, but is not limited to, a smartphone,tablet or home computer. The application running in the localcommunications module relays preselected information over a network. Theprocess can be reversed whereas a signal is transmitted to a localcommunications module that includes the application and is relayed tothe primary device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable device which is used tocommunicate with multiple recipients using numerous means ofcommunication, and can be triggered by different scenarios includingmedical situation or being in a potentially dangerous situation.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Although there are more cell phones in the United States then people,the FBI statistics of people who are involved in emergency situations isstaggering. Every second in the United States someone is involved with acar accident. A property crime occurs every 3.5 seconds in the UnitedStates. Every 5 seconds someone is a victim of larceny, aggravatedassault, every 42 seconds, a robbery every 1.5 minutes, a rape every 6minutes and a murder every 36 minutes. Hundreds of people go missingeach day in America and thousands are abducted each month.

The elderly demographic, defined as persons older than 56 years old, isthe one of the fastest growing group of mobile device users and has beenreported up 18% in the last few years. While there are existing alertsystems that are optimized and marketed to the elderly, many of thesealert systems use the outdated. Some derive from a pendant that iswirelessly connected with a speaker system located somewhere inside ahouse. Other systems involve the transmission of a predetermined messageusing cellular transmission. However, many senior citizens remain activeand do not need to be constrained within the confines of their home tofeel secure or have access to a security or alter system. It is anobject of the present invention to provide these people an alert systemthat enhances their independence to allow them to enjoy life.

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple, inexpensive systemthat allows people in emergency situations to establish rapid contactwith friends, relatives and first responders and to make them aware ofemergency situations. In the ever-evolving world of extreme sports,people may be found in unusual emergency situations in remotebackcountry areas where contact with others may be limited orinfrequent. Moreover, in many instances, people that are active inbackcountry recreational activities, such as riding motorcycles,bicycling, skiing, snowboarding and horseback riding, will often wear ahelmet and gloves which can impede the ability to easily communicateusing a conventional cell phone. For example, in some emergencycircumstances, such as after an injury, it may be difficult orimpossible to manipulate a conventional cell phone transmitter and ahelmet can further impede the use.

If a person becomes lost or is missing, the person's friends andrelatives may not be able to easily find them and may be required toobtain a court order to allow for the release of cell phone records thatmay help locate the person.

The horrific mass shootings that have occurred in recent history alsoillustrate a need for improved communications technology. In thisregard, many police chiefs have instructed people to follow thefollowing protocol who find themselves in these situations: 1) Removeoneself from the dangerous location and retreat to a secure and safelocation; 2) Barricade oneself in a safe spot and turn off yourcellphone or any device that will ring; 3) Attempt to make contact withthird parties without compromising a secret location; and 4) Wait forhelp.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention proves a rapid manner for a user to contactpreselected persons by multiple manners including phone calls, texts andemail. Further, according to a feature of the invention, recipients ofthe communication can instantly be made aware of their GPS location andfollow the user. The invention also allows the user to send thisinformation to multiple recipients simultaneously or serially using asingle command signal which saves battery life, time and the user'sstrength.

Accordingly, by way of a simple user interface with relatively fewbuttons, a user can easy initiate communications with predeterminedpersons in emergency situations. The secondary wireless device caneasily be programed with contact numbers. Because communication can beinitiated by simply accessing a single switch or button, some of thelimitations of present wireless communications devices are mitigated

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description and accompanying system schematicsand flow diagrams. It is understood, however, that the specification anddrawings, are solely to illustration and describe specific embodimentsof the invention and are not intended to limit the invention, for whichreference should be made to the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overview of an exemplary embodimentof the system architecture of a wireless communication device accordingto the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an overview of another exemplaryembodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communication deviceincluding the device and cellular smartphone communications module.

FIG. 3 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 4 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 5 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 6 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 7 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 8 is a screen display of the software application than may beoperated on the cellular smartphone.

FIG. 9 is a screen display of a software application reflectingemergency contacts data that may be entered by the user of the deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a screen display of the of a software application reflectinga screen that allows for contact data import according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen display of the of a software application reflectinga screen that allows for contact data import according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 12 is a screen display of the of a software application reflectingan options/Settings display screen according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now referring to FIG. 1 an overview of an exemplary embodiment of thesystem architecture of a wireless communication device is depicted.Wireless communication primary device 100 (which is all of FIG. 1)includes switch 110, 112 and 114. In an exemplary embodiment, contactbutton 110 may be used to initiate contact with a first address such asa primary emergency contact. Switch 112 may be used to contact a secondaddress such as secondary emergency contact. The third switch 114 may beprogramed to call an emergency number such as 911 that is used in mostregions in the United States. As used herein, the “primary device”, the“wireless communication primary device”, the “handheld beacon” and the“portable beacon” all refer to the same structure as schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2 at Reference No. 250. The contactbuttons may have easily identifiable icons or symbols to facilitate easydialing. In embodiments, these icons or symbols can be altered tocorrespond to the programming of the application that resides on thelocal cellular communication secondary device. In embodiments, primarydevice 100 may also have communications buttons 116, 118. Thecommunication buttons may include talk switch 116 and off switch 118.

Communications primary device 100 is controlled by processor 130 whichcoordinates the electronic processes of wireless communications primarydevice 100. Device 100 may also include a power button 120, foractivating the primary device 100. In embodiments, a volume switch ordial 122 is provided for increasing or decreasing the speaker volume ofthe device.

Device 100 also includes power supply 132 which is connected withrechargeable or other batteries. In this embodiment a charger 134 iscoupled with a power charging device such as a DC phone charger as knownby those skilled in the art.

Wireless communications primary device 100 also has a memory 136 which,when used in conjunction with microprocessor 130, is used to store onboard software and/or firmware programs that implement the functionalityof the wireless communications primary device 100. Memory 136 may alsoinclude storage for phone numbers as discussed above.

Wireless communications primary device 100 may also have power light 138to indicate the status of the device and can provide information ablethe battery life. Wireless communications primary device 100 may alsohave radio frequency antenna 170 which may, as needed, both receive andsend radio frequency signals for wireless communication as is known bythose skilled in the art. Signals received by a radio frequency antenna170 are processed by cellular receiver 159, amplified by audio amplifier158 and, in turn, transmitted through speaker 160 such that an audiblesignal that may be heard by a user.

The primary device 100 includes a microphone 150, which when coupledwith the blue tooth radio transmitter 140 may wirelessly transmit asignal via radio frequency antenna 170 to the local communicationsecondary device. A indictor light and accelerometer may also beoptionally included with device. In embodiments, the device may initiatea signal based upon input to the controller from an accelerometer.

The wireless communication primary device 100 is described herein asbeing a “blue tooth” device, other short range wireless communicationsystem may be advantageously used with the device.

Thus the portable primary device 100 includes the components recitedabove mounted on a PC board and is designed to allow for the transfer ofinformation to and from the secondary device and application designedfor receiving the re-transmitting the information. In embodimentsBluetooth 3.0 or 4.0 technology is used to transfer data to and from theprimary device 100 to a local secondary device which comprises asmartphone.

Bluetooth 4.0 refers to a standard is a wireless technology standard forexchanging data over short distances using short-wavelength UHF radiowaves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz. Bluetooth was firststandardized as IEEE 802.15.1 but the standard is no longer maintained.The Bluetooth Special Interest Group presently oversees the developmentof the specification, manages the qualification program, protects thetrademarks.

The communication protocol allows the application running on thesecondary device to signal the primary device itself as well as provideaudio communication via the speaker. The exterior of the device isconstructed from a waterproof material to be able to connect during astorm or even after submergence in water.

In embodiments, the primary device can also be triggered by proximitysensor or a rapid change in heart rate that would alert the Network. Theprimary device also includes the means to transfer signal to a network,send and receive real time audio transmissions, include a method ofpowering an LED to bring visual awareness as well as buttons that areused to trigger the Network via the application.

Data that is transmitted from the primary device may include voice,preselected alert notifications, status information of the device,geographic position, and other data collected from input sensors. Inaddition to a microphone, the input sensors may include accelerometers,and photo-detectors. Data transmission may be triggered by theactivation of a switch by the user or be activated by other preselectedinput such as a signal from an accelerometer.

Accordingly embodiments of the portable primary device include aspeaker, microphone, rechargeable battery, battery cable connectionport, waterproof shell, LED light and input switches. It may be worn,strapped, clipped or mounted on user or object. After a switch orsequence of switches is activated, a signal to the local is transmittedto a network. The network includes but is not limited to, mobile phones,house phones, laptop, home or office computer, smartphone, satellitephone, Wi-Fi. Functions for the device are provided by the application,wherein a series of actions may be invoked upon reception of a signalfrom the primary portable device.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the system includes the primary device 250, anda secondary device 260 that is connect to a communications network 291.In preferred embodiments, the secondary communications device is asmartphone running an application that allows the primary device toactivate the communication functions of the phone. The application inthe cellphone allows user input, including data relating to phonenumbers, to be dialed in response to communication from the primarydevice. In addition, a communication protocol that includes textmessaging, and the replay of GPS data generated from either the primaryor secondary device may be transmitted in response to predeterminedsignals from the primary device. If a voice connection has been made,the system will allow for voice communication from primary device,through the secondary device to a third party at a remote destination.

FIG. 3 is a screen display 301 of the welcome screen for the applicationthat is run on the secondary communication device or smartphone. In theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-12, the smartphone has a touch screen andthat allows the functions discussed herein to be implemented. To accessthe system, a user must enter a phone number at field 305, an emailaddress at field 307 and password at field 309. This shows the logon anduser information screen, using the user's phone number it gives a unique2 way verifying process connecting to our server for tracking anddatabase services allowing others to connect as well

FIG. 4 is a screen display 401 main menu that includes menu selectionsmy location 407, that allows the user to activate GPS functions. A largebeacon switch or button 420 is located at the bottom for emergencies.The color of the activation button changes from gray to blue when thedevice is connected to the primary device via Bluetooth communication,therefore reflecting that existence of the signal. When a userphysically presses the emergency button on the device, the location willagain respond by changing the color of the button to red and theapplication will initiate the emergency communication protocol. Thescreen includes a ‘My Location’ feature 407 that shows the users currentlocation used for tracking or identified whereabouts. In addition, itincludes a ‘Distress Signal’ 408 alerts users of the detection of asignal from the primary device to reflect the existence of an emergencysituation. Clicking this location on the screen will access the user'sinformation and map of the user's current location. FIG. 4 alsoillustrates other accessible features of the system including “Options”410 that allows the user to access a screen to allow the control andadjustment of various functions on the device, as well as enabling anddisabling various functions. See FIG. 12. The “Upgrade” feature 420allows users to add extra functionality to the application. The “UserGuide” function 425 provides information regarding the features andfunctions of the system. The “Log out” function 430 logs the user out ofthe application. The “Page Information” function 470 at bottom leftprovides information relating to the functionality of each button,switch or link on the screen. At the bottom right of the display, a“Battery” icon 490 is provided that shows the amount of power that isremaining on the device. A shortcut to the easy set-up function isprovided at link 414.

Now referring to FIG. 5, an “Easy Setup” display screen 501 is depicted.This device interface allows users to store their information and set upthe device, including adding their respective contacts and provide inputfor the various other options available. The “My Information” field 512provides a link to a screen to accept data entry and allows the user toset up his personal information including setting up various featureslike his or her email address and phone carrier. In an embodiment, thesystem includes a “Call Center Information” field 514 that allows a userto access or make direct contact to a support call center operated bythe service provider that can assist with the setting up a user account.The user may also use the call center for other technical support andask questions pertaining to the service or implementing features of thesystem. The “text message setup” field 520 allows users to create acustom message and title for their emergency text messages. See FIG. 8.The “email message setup” field 520 provides a link to a further screento allow users to create a custom message and title for their emergencyemail messages. The “Emergency Contact Setup” field 515 provides a linkto another screen that allows users to add emergency contact informationeither from phones contacts or manually. (screen 5 a)

FIG. 6 is a screen display of a distress map 601. The distress map isdisplayed when the user gets a push notification, or text, or the silentbeacon device alerts you, or the application is open when a contact isin an emergency. In real time, it will show the current GPS location ofthe person in emergency so that they can be tracked and will transmitthe information from the local communication device to a remote locationvia phone, text or email. The software will drop a marker or pin such as615 and 628 to identify where the person is and correlate the time withthe location. The time of the drop is reflected at referenced number 615and 628. As the individual moves, a red line is drawn that tracks thepathway 612 and times are correlated at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 7 is the “My Information” screen display 701. This screen allowsfor various information of the user to be stored and modified. Onefeature of this display allows the user to import the information from acontact listing. A user enters his or her first and last name along withthe users email address, mobile number, the user's mobile phone carrierand other information can be entered at the user's option. This screenalso provides for the functionality for setup of an email account to beused in distributing the emergency alert. The screen includes anactivation link to 707 allow importing data from contacts. The user mayalso manually enter data in fields provided including first name 710,last name 711, email 712, mobile phone 713, carrier information 714. Thedevice also allows the user to set up an email account at link 720.

Now referring to FIG. 8, an Email Message set up display screen 801 isdisplayed. This page allows the user to setup a custom email message byactivation of link 806 that will be transmitted to selected emergencycontacts and used to advise the contacts that they are in an emergencysituation. The text if the email is displayed at field 808. The user cantest the settings by activation on the smaller beacon icon that isreflected in the present embodiment by a green lighthouse icon in field810.

FIG. 9 is the “Emergency Contacts” display screen 901. Screen 901provides a list of emergency contacts 905-907 as well as fields to allowdata entry to add additional contact 908 and 909. Upon activation of thelink, a new screen is opened and the relevant data may be entered intothe application. Where a user may provide data relating to emergencycontacts are added including data fields 904-909. The user may addmanually contact information via a contacts list stored within themobile smartphone device as well as edit them. There is a small beacon,such as beacon 920 associated with each contact that identifying bycolor the status of the users. In this embodiment, gray indicate thecontact is not connected; the color blue indicates that that contact isconnected, and red indicates the contact is in an emergency status. Theuser can click or access each of the user's name to show their GPSpositioning in real time.

FIG. 10 is a Text Message display screen. This display allows the userto enter information to setup a custom text message letting theiremergency contacts know they are in an emergency situation. The user maytest the settings on the smaller beacon icon in green.

FIG. 11 is the Contact Setup display screen. The Contact Setup displayscreen allows users to add the fields of their emergency contacts. Thissetup can be manually inputted with data or the data may be importedfrom the smartphone contact list. The data fields that may be populatedinclude (1) the user's first and last name (2) user's email address (3)the user's mobile number (4) additional phone numbers and (5) the user'smobile phone carrier.

FIG. 12 is the “Options/Settings” display screen. This screen allowsusers to select communications options including Activating the CallCenter call option”, 911, GPS Tracking enabling, Email Messaging, Textmessaging, and device sounds.

The application on the secondary communication device may access a localmemory or can access memory stored on the network. This information mayinclude but is not limited to names, email addresses, phone numbers,social media, and other contact information that identifies a person.

The application utilizes functions within the network and cancommunicate with multiple recipients. Forms of communication include butare not limited to, email, SMS messaging, push notifications, appalerts, video chat, voice calls, audio recordings and instant messaging.

In an embodiment, the user may choose which forms of communication areto be used. The option of turning them on or off is within theapplication installed on the smartphone. Options include but are notlimited to, texting from the secondary device of a user's location usinga GPS function, texting to turn on tracking, email to show GPS location,email to alert that a user is in distress or needs assistance,contacting multiple people at once, contacting an emergency responsecenter to communicate your current emergency. The application alsoconnects to servers which relay in real-time the location of the networktriggered by the portable device.

Anyone who is connected to the user and possesses the application andportable device will be alerted if someone else has alerted the network.The application itself displays who has altered the network and theywill be able to be viewed in real time with GPS. In an embodiment, acall center can automatically track a subscriber as well and can relayin real time to authorities or to an emergency response center thewhereabouts and condition of the user.

In an embodiment, the application is programmed to sequentially contactpersons by phone on the list until a successful call is placed. Inanother embodiment, the system will phone and text contacts on apredetermined list until a text or phone call is successfully completedor a text is acknowledged and a return text is transmitted. Inalternative embodiments, messages and phone calls are simultaneouslytransmitted upon the activation of the switch. In yet furtheralternative embodiment of the invention, the user can select the optionat the beacon to sequentially attempt to make contact or simultaneouslymake contact. In the embodiment that involves transmission of text, asignal is transmitted back to the beacon that reflects a responsive texthas been received. In alternative embodiment, the text message requeststhat the recipient call the sender. The application will receive a calland retransmit the voice signal to the beacon or first device.

In a further embodiment, the system, which includes the smartphoneapplication and primary device includes a primary device location assistfeature. According to this feature, a user can activate a functionprovide don the secondary communication device to send a signal to theprimary device wherein said signal will activate an audio signal.

In order to reduce or eliminate inadvertent activation of the primarydevice, in an embodiment, in order to activate the signal from theprimary device to the relay communication device, the user mustsimultaneously engage more than one switch device.

The present invention and its various advantages will be understood fromthe foregoing description and that it will be readily apparent to thoseordinarily skilled in the art so that various changes may be made inform, construction and arrangement without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. While specific embodiments of the invention havebeen disclosed and discussed herein, the invention is not intended to belimited by the specific embodiments described in the specification butrather, the scope of the invention should be measured by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

I claim:
 1. An communication system comprising a primary device and arelay communication device said primary device comprising a controller,a short range signal transmitter, and a power source, and at least oneswitch, and an indicator signal element and a short range signalreceiver wherein said receiver is adapted to receive a short rangesignals reflecting that a transmission signal by said primary device wassuccessfully received by said relay communication device and a secondsignal was transmitted from said relay communication device according toa predetermined protocol and in response actives said indicator signalelement, and in response to activation of said switch, said controllerconfigures an outbound signal that includes instructions to a processorin said relay communication device to relay a predetermined messagecontent to at least one predetermined destination device selected from aplurality of predetermined destination devices that have addressinformation stored in said relay communication device and said secondsignal further comprises email, text and voice telephonic messages, andsaid relay communication device sends a first predetermined message to afirst selected destination device in response to the detection of asignal from said primary device and transmits subsequent messages eitherin response to reply signals from the first destination device or, inthe absence of reply signals from after a predetermined time, sendssubsequent messages according to predetermined programing of said relaycommunication device.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said indicatorsignal element is activated in response to response to the successfultransmission of said first signal and again in response to thesuccessful transmission of said second signals.
 3. The system recited inclaim 2 wherein said indicator signal element comprises a vibratorydevice.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said signal element comprises aLED and said LED is activated in response to the successful transmissionand reception of said first signal by said relay communication deviceand again in response to the successful transmission of said secondsignal from said relay communication device.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein said relay communication device further provide a signal to saidprimary device to activate said indicator signal element in response toan acknowledgment signal from a destination device.
 6. The system ofclaim 5 wherein said indicator signal element comprises a loudspeaker.7. The system recited in claim 1 wherein said short range frequencysignal comprises a signal transmitted in accordance with the Bluetoothstandard.
 8. The system recited in claim 1 wherein said relay devicecomprises a software application for a smart phone wherein saidapplication provides instructions to a processor associated with saidsmart phone to recognize said short range signal from said primarydevice, and process said signal and transmit a second transmissionsignal to predetermined destination devices according to predeterminedinstructions.
 9. The system recited in claim 8 wherein said instructionsare for the transmission of data in the form of an audible or voicemessage to phone numbers which comprise predetermined destinationdevices.
 10. The system recited in claim 8 wherein said instructionsfurther comprise instructions to cause said relay communication deviceto transmit signals comprising data in the form of email fortransmission to predetermined destinations devices.
 11. The systemrecited in claim 1 further comprising a loudspeaker and a microphone andsaid relay communication device opens a voice channel between saiddestination device and said primary device.
 12. The system recited inclaim 1 wherein said primary device further comprises a plurality ofmanual switches, wherein at least two manual switches must be activatedto initiate a transmission from said primary device to said relaycommunication device.
 13. The system recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a global positioning receiver and processor, said globalpositioning receiver and said processor located in said relay device,and said signal transmitted from said device includes informationrelating to data determined by said global positing receive andprocessor.
 14. The system of claim 8 wherein said relay communicationdevice contacts a sequence of phone numbers in a predetermined serialsequence until a communication to a destination device is successful andsaid destination device transmits a recognized acknowledgment of saidcommunication, and wherein said recognition is determined bypredetermined programed instruction stored in a memory associated withsaid relay.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein said primary devicecomprises a loudspeaker and said relay communication relay device isprovided with an input function to allow a user to send a signal fromsaid relay communication device to said primary device to broadcast fromsaid loudspeaker an audio signal whereby said audio signal aids in thelocation of the device.